3D printing is revolutionizing the world in ways that could not have been imagined just twenty years ago. As breakthroughs are made, this technology will continue to shape our future across all types of industries and fields.
Charles W. Hull issued the first patent for 3d printing on November 9, 1984. Hull’s system fused layers of powder material using ultraviolet light to create solid objects from 3d computer models. From that point, this technology has evolved so much that any shape or three-dimensional object is possible to make with the help of this method.
With growing popularity, several companies now offer 3d printing in Brisbane and many other places. So on this note, let’s dive into this technology and understand how it can make our lives more productive.
[Also Read: 7 Reasons Why You Should Go 3D in Your Next Web Event]
Table of Contents
What Is 3d Printing?
3d printing, also known as additive manufacturing, makes three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file.
In traditional subtractive manufacturing, cutting, drilling, and other material removal methods are used to make an object. However, in additive manufacturing, layer after layer of material is laid down under the precise guidance of a 3d printer nozzle head; it fuses these layers to create the final product one by one.
It does not require any tooling and hence can produce products in single copy or small-scale production runs called “additive manufacturing” technologies.
3d printing technology uses simple materials such as plastics, resins, and metals. However, many other materials have been tested for being used in this technology. It gives us a lot of scope to work with various elements that shape our lives.
Current 3d Printing Technologies Include:
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Electron beam melting (EBM)
- Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
- Material jetting (MJ)
- Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
With the growing trend of online 3d printing services, several major industries have started integrating this advancement. Thus, whether you need 3d Printing in Brisbane or Melbourne, you only need to upload the design to get created.
How 3d Printing is Changing The World
As of now, 3d print online services are giving a new edge to industries and allowing companies to do more in less time. So let’s dive into significant transformations that are making our lives better:
-On-demand Industrial Production
3d printing technology is now used as a production line to produce a single product. For example, aircraft manufacturing companies can now avoid material wastage during prototyping and use 3d printers for low volume production.Â
This process helps them reduce their material consumption and cost of production simultaneously through additive manufacturing. It also ensures that deadlines are met without any compromise on quality. Now, even small-scale businesses can opt for 3d Printing Services in Brisbane or other places to scale their manufacturing.
-Transportation
The transportation industry has benefited from this technology in many ways. From aircraft made with efficient design to cars produced with lightweight titanium alloys, it’s easy for us to get where we want using 3d printed transport. In addition, 3D printed parts are lighter than traditional ones and reduce the number of components, making transportation faster and easier.
-Medical Sciences
3d printing technology has gone beyond just making prototypes for medical students; it is used to create customized prosthetic limbs, dental crowns, and more. These 3D printed products are lighter, comfortable, and affordable. It also ensures that patients get proper treatment on time due to advanced methodologies of additive manufacturing technologies. This overall improvement helps improve the quality of life of many people who require medical assistance at any point in time.
-Education
3d printing & design services keep on finding new ways to benefit the education sector through innovative learning methods. From spatial recognition to visual thinking, 3d printing is changing the way we learn things, especially using its latest technology.
For example, using the virtual reality range of 3d printers, students can now create their virtual models that would define the reference point of talking about any model. It is an excellent way to boost creativity and problem-solving abilities among students of all ages.
-Space Research
NASA has been using additive manufacturing technology to design parts, tools, and more for space missions for the past decade. It has found several practical uses in planning tools used on the ground and those intended for use in space.
A 3D printed model of the Mars Rover is one example of learning about the rover by assembling it themselves. 3d printers are also helping scientists achieve their interplanetary exploration goals at a lower cost than traditional methods.
-Hospitals
Printing parts such as bone fragments or cartilage implants makes surgery easy and reduce the risk of infections. 3D printers are readily available in hospitals that can print personalized implants matching the patient’s requirements.
-Affordable Housing
3d printers are a boon for those who cannot afford costly building materials to construct their house. It is possible to print entire houses using layers of cement, sand, water, and a few other chemicals, thus reducing the time required to build a home from scratch.
During the COVID-19 peak, several companies built temporary shelters and isolation centres using 3d printers. These structures are sturdy, strong, and can be made quickly. As the initial construction cost is slightly higher than standard concrete buildings, these homes have good insulation properties that save more energy in the long run.
Future of 3d Printing
Additive manufacturing will bring the next paradigm shift with the growing demand for 3d Printing services in Brisbane, Perth, and other places. According to reports, the global 3d printing market will reach $34.8 billion by 2026, with an annual growth rate of 22.4%. As 3d printing becomes more accessible, more small-scale businesses will leverage its potential. So it’s the right time to get started with 3d print in Brisbane or where you live and gain a competitive edge.
Primarily, we will see more life-saving advancements of 3d printing in the healthcare industry. Apart from 3d-printed prosthetics and implants, we will see more growth in bio-printing. We can expect scientists to print fully-working human hearts or other body parts in the upcoming few years.